Heavyweight Brett Rogers signs with Bellator, debuts at Bellator 71

Former Strikeforce heavyweight Brett Rogers (11-4 MMA, 0-0 BFC) has signed with Bellator and will make his promotional debut later this month at Bellator 71.

Bellator officials today announced the signing, though an opponent wasn’t disclosed.

Rogers is stuck in a 1-4 skid and has fought just once since September, due in part to his arrest stemming from a domestic dispute. However, he said those issues are now behind him.

Rogers ultimately was sentenced to 60 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to a single count of felony third-degree assault following a September incident with his wife and kid.

Bellator 72, which kicks off the organization’s three-event “Summer Series,” takes place June 22 at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort in Chester, W.V. The night’s main card airs on MTV2, and Spike.com carries the prelims. It’s not clear where Rogers will end up on the lineup.

“I am incredibly thankful to Bjorn Rebney and Bellator for giving me and my family this opportunity,” Rogers stated. “I feel that I am still one of the top heavyweights in the sport, and now I have the opportunity to prove it with Bellator. I love the tournament format as it will give me the chance to regain my top position, of course with a lot hard work.”

Rogers, who opened his career with a 9-0 record, was immediately released from Strikeforce upon his arrest. In September, he lost a split decision to Bellator and UFC vet Eddie Sanchez at Titan Fighting Championships 20. He is 1-4 in his past five outings, though three of his losses have come against top-tier heavyweights Alistair Overeem, Fedor Emelianenko and Josh Barnett. Most recently, he fought Todd Allee to a no-contest (due to Rogers’ accidental strikes to the back of the head) in February.

“Over the past year I have been challenged in my personal life, but all is now good in the Rogers family,” Rogers stated. “Everyone makes mistakes in life, but it’s how you recover that really counts. I spend every day with my wife and kids and enjoy every minute of it. Fighting is my job, and I love it, but I also love my family, and that’s why I made things right before returning to the cage. All I can say is get ready for a new and improved Brett Rogers.”

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.